Welcome to Diving for Pearls! We’re going to have a lot of fun here~ and hopefully, we’ll learn a lot from each other, too!

First things first: Why “diving for pearls?” Well…here is the story: Over 20 years ago, I worked as a pearl diver at Sea World. The Sea World guests got to listen to a fascinating speech about the art of Japanese Pearl Diving, and, if they wanted to, they could purchase an oyster and receive a pearl of their own. It was a great job (especially since we got to spend half the day laying out in the sun so we looked tan and healthy!)  I met my husband-to-be that summer, too, but that is another story for another time.

After college, I hung up my pearl diving gear and became a special education teacher. I’ve spent the last 20+ years working with children and families in a variety of roles: teacher, tutor, advocate, ministry consultant.

My experience with special education runs a bit deeper, though~ I’m also the mother of a child with a disability. I’ve experienced the crushing blows of a devastating diagnosis, the adjustment to a “new normal,” and the insurpassable joy of progress. There have been many, many tears over the years, but they have been punctuated by fits of giggles and long stretches of peace as well. My experiences in our family have allowed me a unique perspective for which I’m incredibly thankful; when I work with families, teachers and churches who are wrestling with the complex and daunting issue of disability, I bring a large part of my heart along with me.

There is a parable in Matthew 13 about the Kingdom of Heaven: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had, and bought it.” (Matthew 13:45-46) I love this story…it makes good sense to me as I consider how fabulous God’s love is. It also reminds me of how HE pursues US…just like that merchant sought out that precious pearl. Through this blog, I hope that many kids and families will be sought out and welcomed…because they’re precious, too.

So…here on this blog we’ll be addressing all kinds of topics: teaching strategies, behavior management tips, and communication strategies. I’ll point you toward helpful books, solid curriculum and blogs worth following. And, lest you think this will be too heavy and church-y, I hope we will also laugh…a lot! There is so much joy to be had as we raise kids and work together. Dive on in…the water’s fine!